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Nagano
Outdoor activities

Outdoor activities

Our most recommended Nagano Outdoor activities

Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip

1. Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip

A great tour for all seasons, this is a 1-day guided tour of the most famous attractions of Nagano City and Jigokudani or “Hell’s Valley”, home of the Snow Monkeys. Take a scenic route to see the cutest monkeys in the world, then experience the tranquility of Zenkoji Temple and lively Nakamise shopping street. For guests traveling from Hakuba, from December through March, your journey can begin with a shuttle from Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal at 7:55 AM; otherwise, meet your guide at Nagano Station at 9:35 AM (please be at your chosen pickup point in advance of the meetup time as the tour needs to depart on-time). Famous for being the temple to hold the first Buddhist statue in Japan. Zenkoji Temple has a special energy and welcomes people of all faiths and religions. The temple grounds are beautiful and tranquil; there are hidden gems to explore, such as the dark tunnel running under the temple, said to be where you can gain enlightenment by finding the “Key To Paradise”. After lunch, return to Nagano Station again by public transport and take local bus from there to the Snow Monkeys. World-famous for their rare habit of soaking in the hot spring and living in the snow, these amazing macaques will let you get really close to them for some great photo opportunities and an unforgettable experience. After saying goodbye to the snow monkeys, stroll back along the tranquil forest trail to a delicious lunch at the restaurant near the trail exit. After seeing the Snow Monkeys, head to the local Japanese sake brewery to try various types of sake maybe even find a nice souvenir for yourself.

Tokyo: Narita International Airport T1 Mobile WiFi Rental

2. Tokyo: Narita International Airport T1 Mobile WiFi Rental

Access the internet anytime, anywhere with 4G LTE mobile WiFi provided by NINJA WiFi. No longer will you have to worry about finding your way without access to maps or missing important updates from friends and family. We have everything covered with our secure, easy to use WiFi routers. You can connect up to 5 devices at once to each router. Whether you are coming to Japan for business and you need to connect multiple phones, computers and/or tablets, to the internet, or are travelling for pleasure with a group of friends or family who all want internet access, we have you covered. Pick up your mobile WiFi router in Narita International Airport Terminal 1 to start using WiFi immediately. We also offer many ways to return your device, whether it be by dropping it off at any of our counters in major Japanese airports, at our counter in Shinjuku, Tokyo, or shipping it to us from anywhere in Japan. *If you wish to have a different return location than your pick-up location, please contact info@ninjawifi.com as soon as possible. Mobile WiFi is a 21st century necessity that makes travelling much more fun and easy. We offer flexible plans from 5 days to 30 days, so you can choose what suits you best.

Osaka: Kansai International Airport Wi-Fi Rental

3. Osaka: Kansai International Airport Wi-Fi Rental

Access the internet anytime, anywhere with 4G LTE mobile WiFi provided by NINJA WiFi. No longer will you have to worry about finding your way without access to maps or missing important updates from friends and family. We have everything covered with our secure, easy to use WiFi routers. You can connect up to 5 devices at once to each router. Whether you are coming to Japan for business and you need to connect multiple phones, computers and/or tablets, to the internet, or are travelling for pleasure with a group of friends or family who all want internet access, we have you covered. Pick up your mobile WiFi router in Kansai International Airport Terminal 1 to start using WiFi immediately. We also offer many ways to return your device, whether it be by dropping it off at any of our counters in major Japanese airports, at our counter in Shinjuku, Tokyo, or shipping it to us from anywhere in Japan. *If you wish to have a different return location than your pick-up location, please contact info@ninjawifi.com as soon as possible. Mobile WiFi is a 21st century necessity that makes travelling much more fun and easy. We offer flexible plans from 5 days to 30 days, so you can choose what suits you best.

Kyoto 1 Day Tour: Kyoto Coast,Amanohashidate and Ine Bay

4. Kyoto 1 Day Tour: Kyoto Coast,Amanohashidate and Ine Bay

Join a full-day trip to experience a blend of natural beauty and unique culture from a meeting point in Osaka or Kyoto. Take in the magnificent vistas of Amanohashidate, seek blessings at Zenkoji Temple, and uncover the secrets of Kyoto at the boathouses of Ine. Accompanied by your guide and driver, venture to Amanohashidate, a sand bar known as one of Japan's three most scenic views. Stretching 3.6 km along the Japan Sea and Amanohashidate Bay, this masterpiece of nature has been formed by coastal sedimentation, adorned with around 8,000 pine trees. Admire white sandy beaches to the east and west – a truly unique natural landscape. See how the shape resembles a bridge reaching towards the sky, giving it the name “Amanohashidate” or Heaven's Bridge. Soak in pure natural beauty and ocean views of the islands. If you wish, take a cable car to Mt. Monju to behold Amanohashidate from an observation deck at your expense. From this vantage point, see Amanohashidate shaped like a dragon soaring into the sky, earning it the name “View of the Flying Dragon”. Enjoy a sightseeing car and attractions designed for all ages. Next, head to the Chionji Temple, also known as Bussharado (a temple for academic success). The temple's gate is the largest in the Tango region. Observe the unique fan-shaped omikuji (fortune-telling paper). When hung upside down, the width of the fan varies, symbolizing gradual improvement. Nearby, see the revolving bridge connecting Amanohashidate and Bussharado on land. When large ships need to pass, the bridge rotates 90 degrees to allow them through. Or head to the Amanohashidate Hot Springs to relax in natural spring waters with a view. Give the outdoor foot bath a try for free. Finally, journey to the charming world of Ine Boathouses, one of Kyoto's hidden gems. Marvel at the small fishing village renowned for its traditional boat-house architecture. Explore Ine on foot or by bicycle, or feed seagulls by boat , all while appreciating the coastal scenery.

Nagano: 1-Day Snow Monkey & Cherry Blossom Tour in Spring

5. Nagano: 1-Day Snow Monkey & Cherry Blossom Tour in Spring

This tour takes you from JR Nagano Station to the world-famous Jigokudani snow monkeys and to some of the most beloved cherry blossom viewing spots in Nagano. Seeing the blooming cherry blossoms (called hanami in Japanese) is one of the most Japanese things one can do whilst being in the land of the rising sun. Located in a chilly, mountainous region, northern Nagano’s blossoms start blooming later than those in cities like Tokyo or Kyoto. Every year, the blossoms normally come into bloom from the middle of April. Nagano is not as famous as an aforementioned city but has many lovely places where you can see the brightly colored flowers. If you wish to get off the beaten track and see the wild monkeys and cherry blossoms on the same day, this tour is perfect for you. First, you will be taken to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you can observe the wild Japanese macaques at an incredibly close distance. April is generally the month when newborn babies arrive to the Jigokudani monkey troop. Usually there are 20 to 30 babies born every spring, and it’s endearing to see the newborns taking their first step and climb. After being filled by a Japanese lunch, the tour will take you to the hanami spots where cherry blossoms can be seen. The spots are selected depending on the degree of bloom of the blossoms on the tour date. Each spot has different types of cherry blossoms with overall more than 500 to 1000 sakura trees. Experience the yearly tradition to welcome spring in full. After enjoying the cherry blossoms, you will be taken to the train that takes you back to JR Nagano Station. The tour is scheduled to conclude at JR Nagano Station by 6:30 PM. Don’t miss this special opportunity to witness Japan’s beautiful spring.

From Nagano: Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route

6. From Nagano: Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route

Meet your guide at JR Nagano Station and board the tour bus to begin your journey to the fabled Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. Arriving at Ogisawa Station around 10:15, prepare for your ascent before boarding the Kanden Tunnel trolley bus at 11:00, the first of a variety of mountain transports you will utilize to reach the summit. Your first stop is the Kurobe Dam. Constructed between 1956 and 1963, this immense structure required the labor of up to 10 million people and is Japan's highest dam. A source of national pride and emblematic of man's attempts to conquer nature, enjoy some time to admire the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains before starting the next leg of your journey toward the summit. Next, head to the Tateyama Ropeway. Spanning 1700 meters, you will be transported upward to the final stop of Daikanbo, before taking the final trolley bus to Murodo. At 2450 meters, this is Japan's highest station – an isolated outpost in an inhospitable, dramatic landscape. Stroll through the iconic snow corridor which rises up 20 meters above you. Enjoy 1.5 to 2 hours of free time to stroll around the area, with enough time to visit the museums before beginning the journey back to Nagano.

1 Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen

7. 1 Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen

Enjoy a day out playing on the slopes of Shiga Kogen. Sample delicious Japanese or Western food for lunch and capture unforgettable pictures of the adorable snow monkeys of Jigokudani. Meet your guide at Nagano or Yudanaka station. Board the tour bus and head straight to the mountains of Shiga Kogen, Japan and Asia's largest and highest ski resort. Upon arrival, spend 1.5 hours enjoying the snow. Whizz down the mountain on a snowscoot, snowdrive, sled, or tube. After working up an appetite, stop for lunch at a restaurant adjoining the ski slopes. Choose from a daily menu of traditional Japanese fare and Western favorites. After lunch, board the tour vehicle for the short journey out of the mountains and onto the Snow Monkey Park. As the only troop of monkeys in the world known to bathe in hot springs, the monkeys of Jigokudani have achieved global fame and observing them going about their monkey business is a real treat.  Finally, return to the station after a snow-filled adventure that promises to leave a lasting impression. 

Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley

8. Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley

The tour begins at JR Nagano Station at 8:15 AM. Your guide will greet all guests and quickly have you on your way toward the historic city of Matsumoto. Arriving around 09:45 AM, your guide will lead you to Matsumoto Castle one of Nagano’s most impressive cultural sites, known for its structural beauty set against a splendid mountain backdrop. Before making your way to the castle. Explore the famous "Frog Street" Nawate-Dori. Home to more than 50 shops, restaurants, and cafes most famous for selling all things frog-related. At the castle you will be guided into the castle grounds as your guide reveals the history and features which make it so lauded, before giving you time to explore for yourself. It’s then time to head high into the mountains, as you are transported into the Northern Alps and onto Kamikochi. Situated 1500 meters above sea level deep within the Chubu Sangaku National Park, Kamikochi is famous for its pristine natural state, beautiful rivers and ponds, lush forests, and dramatic mountain peaks rising to over 3000 meters. The next few hours are yours to enjoy as choose. You can choose to stroll further along the river or sit at a café or restaurant, and simply take in the view. At 5:30 PM the tour bus will depart and begin the journey back toward Nagano.

Tokyo: Shinjuku Mobile WiFi Pick-up

9. Tokyo: Shinjuku Mobile WiFi Pick-up

Access the internet anytime, anywhere with 4G LTE mobile WiFi provided by NINJA WiFi. No longer will you have to worry about finding your way without access to maps or missing important updates from friends and family. We have everything covered with our secure, easy to use WiFi routers. You can connect up to 5 devices at once to each router. Whether you are coming to Japan for business and you need to connect multiple phones, computers and/or tablets, to the internet, or are travelling for pleasure with a group of friends or family who all want internet access, we have you covered. Pick it up at our counter located in Shinjuku, Tokyo. It's just a 3 minute walk from nearby Higashi Shinjuku Station on the Toei Oedo Line or Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line, and is near one of Tokyo's major city centers. We also offer many ways to return your device, such as by dropping it off at any of our counters in major Japanese airports. *If you wish to have a different return location than your pick-up location, please contact info@ninjawifi.com as soon as possible. *As the Shinjuku Counter is only open on weekdays, those are the only days you can select for starting/ending your reservations, but we also accept extentions as long as you change your drop-off location. Contact the above email if you're interested. Mobile WiFi is a 21st century necessity that makes travelling much more fun and easy. We offer flexible plans from 5 days to 30 days, so you can choose what suits you best.

Nozawa: Full-Day Fire Festival & Snow Monkey Tour on Jan 15

10. Nozawa: Full-Day Fire Festival & Snow Monkey Tour on Jan 15

Your tour begins with pickup from one of two locations: Hakuba’s Happo Bus Terminal at 11:45 AM or JR Nagano Station at 1 PM. After meeting your guide, you’ll hit the road and head towards Yamanouchi, home to the only hot spring-bathing monkeys in the world, Japanese snow monkeys.  After arriving near the monkey park area at 2 PM, your guide will lead you along a snow-covered forest trail to the park itself. Found deep inside Jigokudani, or “Hell’s Valley”, your guide will explain the history and importance of the park and give you plenty of time to enjoy the unique experience of observing the snow monkeys in close proximity. Then enjoy an early dinner at a nearby restaurant where you’ll learn all about Nagano’s renowned food culture. Next, you’ll head to Nozawa Onsen, where you’ll witness one of Japan’s three great fire festivals. After arriving at around 6 PM, you’ll have ample time to explore the village before the main event begins. Preparations start at 7 PM with singing, drumming, fireworks, and more. Then it’s time for the main event, during which the town will converge on a wooden shrine. Fueled by tradition, bravado, and drinking, the mock battle takes place with an explosion of embers. After the gods have been deemed happy and ready to bless the villagers with good luck, harvest, and happiness, the shrine will be set on fire at 10 PM.  At 10:45 PM you’ll regroup with your guide at the designated meeting point and be transported back to your original pickup point.

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What people are saying about Nagano

I’m not sure who enjoyed the snow play more our grandkids, our adult kids or us! Then a tasty lunch and an enchanting walk through the snow laden forest to see the snow monkeys enjoying an onsen. All this combined with an informative, friendly, helpful guide made for a fantastic day!!

I'd do this tour again in a heartbeat. The tour of the temple was great, as was learning about the history of the area. The sake tasting was interesting and lunch was quite nice.

A very memorable trip.. December is good timing to visit!! would recommend everybody to join..

The guide was fantastic. Good humoured and knowledgeable!